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Ask an expert advisor

Sony's CDX-GT56UI CD receiver offers a front-panel USB input for iPod® connection and control, along with great sound and some pretty sophisticated audio controls.

Take charge of your iPod
You'll appreciate this receiver's ability to control your iPod in the car. The Quick BrowZer feature lets you search for a song by genre, artist, or album with a couple of quick flicks of the control knob. The Jump control leaps through your songs in 10% increments, while Zappin' plays short clips of your music files until you hear the song that suits your mood.

Audio controls to customize your sound
Sony's Advanced Sound Engine provides excellent dynamic range and fidelity, and throws in some extra features. A 7-band equalizer gives you lots of options for adjusting the sound to match your car. Automatic Level Optimizer continually balances the output of your sources so you don't have to keep a hand glued to the volume knob. Sony's DM+ Advanced circuitry restores the details that are lost when you compress your digital music, so you enjoy the best possible sound from your MP3, WMA, or AAC files. And you'll be able to dial in a stronger stereo image with the Listening Position time alignment feature.

Want a little more kick?
When you're ready to expand your system you'll find a set of preamp outputs for adding an external amplifier or a powered subwoofer. You can use the built-in high- and low-pass filters to trim the signal going to your speakers and subs so you get maximum efficiency from your system.

Want to keep your car's steering wheel audio controls?
In most vehicles, you can use an adapter to connect your vehicle's steering wheel controls to this Sony stereo. Connect a few wires, then program the adapter for your particular car and the Sony, and you'll retain the convenience of your steering wheel controls.

Note: If you're going to use your iPod with this receiver, be sure to check "Details" for specific iPod model compatibility with this receiver.

Product Highlights:

General features:

CD receiver with AM/FM tuner

built-in amplifier (17 watts RMS CEA-2006/52 peak x 4 channels)

detachable face with black and white LCD display

red key illumination

built-in RDS (Radio Data System)

remote control

Audio features:

plays CDs and USB devices (see Hands-on Research for full capabilities)

Other features and specs:

Why replace your factory radio?

Two good reasons - sound quality and cool features. A new car stereo offers power that's superior to most factory radios, along with more sophisticated tone controls. And most car stereos offer built-in or optional features that add safety and fun to life in your car, including inputs for your iPod or MP3 player, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free cell phone calls, satellite radio or HD Radio reception, and connections for building an audio system in your car.

SiriusXM Ready: The Sony CDX-GT56UI comes ready for SiriusXM
programming with access to XM and Sirius Satellite Radio stations. Thanks to its
proprietary SiriusXM Connect port, you can add the optional
SXV200V1 SiriusXM Connect tuner and receive more than 150 channels of
exclusive programming directly from SiriusXM, via the "SiriusXM
All Access" package (subscription required). Visit
SiriusXM.com
for a complete list of subscription options and channel guide. Additional features
of the SXV200 SiriusXM Connect tuner include:

Channel list displays a list of all available channels

Category Search searches for channels in a certain category

Displayed Information such as Channel Name, Artist Name, & Song Title
can be viewed on the head unit's LCD

Up to 18 SiriusXM Satellite Radio station presets

Channels containing unsuitable content for children can be blocked

Note: A separate SiriusXM Satellite Radio subscription
is required (operates on the XM Network). If you already have a Sirius
Satellite Radio subscription, this radio cannot be added as a discounted
second unit. If you have an existing XM Satellite Radio subscription, you
can add this unit as a discounted second unit.

Disc Playback

Disc Compatibility: The unit features a single disc player
that will playback CD-Audio, CD-Text, and finalized CD-R/CD-RW audio discs (12cm
only).

MP3/WMA/AAC Playback: The Sony CDX-GT56UI allows you to
playback CD-Rs or CD-RWs loaded with MP3, WMA, or AAC songs (up to 320 kbps)
recorded in ISO 9660 level 1 or 2, Joliet/Romeo, or Multi-Session. The
CDX-GT56UI can support up 150 folders, and a combined 300 folders & files on a
disc. The head unit will also display song information for MP3, WMA, and AAC
music files (Joliet: up to 32 characters, Romeo: up to 64 characters).

Note: Not all MP3, WMA, AAC files may playback due to
file variations. Copyright protected ACC-LC files cannot be played back.

Compressed Audio Display Information: The CD receiver can
display the following CD-TEXT or ID3/WMA-tag information - Track number, Elapsed
Playing Time, Song Title, Artist Name, or Album Label.

Quick-BrowZer: The unit's Quick-BrowZer feature allow you to
search for a track on a CD, iPod, or from your connected USB Mass Storage Device
easily by category (Genre, Artist, Album, or Playlist).

Jump Mode: Jump Mode gets you closer to the song you want by
allowing you to fast forward through a music category in 10% increments.

Zappin: With the Zappin feature, you can play music (files
or folders) in 6, 15, or 30-second clips until you find the song you are looking
for on your CD or connected USB device.

Off Insert/Eject: A CD disc can be inserted or ejected with
the power off. The head unit will automatically begin disc playback, when a disc
is inserted with the receiver set to a different source or powered off.

Auto Reload: The CD player will automatically reinsert the
disc if it's ejected, but not removed for 20 seconds or more.

Mounting Angle: For proper CD playback, this unit must be
mounted between 0° (horizontal) and 45°.

USB/iPod/Aux
Connectivity

USB Port: The receiver's front-panel (type-A) USB port can
be used for plugging in a (MSC) Mass Storage Class or MTP (Media Transfer
Protocol) type USB device. The head unit can play music files stored on the USB
device in MP3, WMA, or AAC formats (up to 320 kbps). The head unit can recognize
up to 128 folders with 500 tracks each when connected to a USB Mass Storage
Device. The CDX-GT56UI offers the following USB search, playback, and display
functions.

Search Modes:

Quick-BrowZer: allows you to search for a track on
a connected USB device easily by category (Genre, Artist, Album, or
Playlist)

Jump Mode: gets you closer to the song you want by
allowing you to fast forward through a music category in 10% increments

Zappin: play music (files or folders) in 6, 15, or
30-second clips until you find the song you are looking for on your
connected USB device

USB 1-Wire iPod/iPhone Control: The GT56UI's front-panel
USB port allows you to connect your iPod/iPhone via a single cable (iPod dock
connector-to-USB cable; not included with the head unit). This USB 1-Wire for
iPod/iPhone connection lets you directly connect, charge, & control select iPod/iPhones
via the USB jack on the front of the unit, as well as view metadata like song
title & artist name on the front display.

Bypass iPod DAC: The USB connection allows your
iPod/iPhone's stored music to be loaded instantly to the head unit and sound
quality to be maximized through the head unit's 24-bit D/A converter
(bypassing iPod/iPhone DAC), allowing for a Signal-to-Noise ratio up to
120dB.

Information Display: The head unit will display your
iPod/iPhone's music file information, including - Track #, Elapsed playing
time, Song title, Artist name, and Album label.

Music Navigation: You can choose to control the
iPod/iPhone from the head unit or from your iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or
touchscreen.

Quick-BrowZer: the Quick-BrowZer feature allows you
to browse your iPod/iPhone's music library by Artist, Album, Song,
Genre, Playlist, or Podcast

Alphabetical Search: search within a specific
Quick-BrowZer category or All tracks alphabetically (A-Z)

Zappin: with the Zappin feature, you can play music
tracks & albums in 6, 15, or 30-second clips until you find the song you
are looking for on your connected iPod/iPhone

Charging: While connected and the ignition switch is
set to ACC or ON, the head unit's USB connection will power and charge your
iPod/iPhone. If your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery charge,
then this unit will not recognize it.

Note: If you have an iPod nano (7th gen), iPod touch
(5th gen), or iPhone 5; use the Lighting-to-USB cable that came with your
Apple device to connect to the head unit.

iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Sony CDX-GT56UI is
"Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model
features (as of 9/25/2012):

Apple Device

Generation

Tested Version

Media Type

Control Type

Display Type

Charge

Audio

Video

Head Unit

iPod

App mode

Artist/Song Text

Track Info

iPhone

2G

3.1.3

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

3G

4.2.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

3GS

5.1.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

4

6.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

4S

6.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

5

6.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

touch

1st

2.2.1

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

2nd

4.2.1

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

3rd

5.1.1

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

4th

6.1

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

5th

6.1

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

nano

1st

1.3.1

Y

N

Y

N

N

Y

Y

Y

2nd

1.1.3

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

3rd

1.1.3

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

4th

1.0.4

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

5th

1.0.2

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

6th

1.2PC

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

7th

1.02 PC

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

classic

80GB

1.1.2

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

120GB

2.0.1

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

160GB

2.0.4

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

video

5th

1.3

Y

N

Y

N

N

Y

Y

Y

iPad

1

5.1.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

2

6.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

3

6.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

4

6.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

mini

6.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change
functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may
need to reset the head unit and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If
this doesn't work, you may need to wait until a newer software update is
available.

Front Panel Auxiliary Input: A front panel stereo 3.5mm
mini-jack is provided to allow the connection of a portable audio source. Just
connect your portable digital music player to this unit, and you can listen to
the audio from the portable player through the speakers in your mobile audio
system. The volume level of the auxiliary input is adjustable from -8 to +18 dB
to compensate for any difference between the unit and your portable device.

Audio Section

True Fidelity Sound Construction: The Sony CDX-GT56UI AM/FM compact disc player features a newly developed
sound processor for less distortion, an S-MOSFET IC for smooth signal
transmission, and a large-sized high power capacitor for deep bass sound.

CEA2006 Compliant Amplifier: The power specifications for
the Sony CDX-GT56UI are compliant with the CEA2006 Mobile Amplifier Power
Testing and Measurement standards from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
These standards were developed as a way to equitably compare power specs from
model to model and between manufacturers. The power output specs for the
CDX-GT56UI are as follows:

Subwoofer Controls: When the unit's subwoofer output is
activated, the preamp output becomes non-fading & a low pass filter is activated
with a selectable cut-off frequency of 50Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, or Off.
You can also adjust the slope (1/2/3) of the low-pass crossover. You can adjust
the subwoofer preamp output's volume level independently from the head unit's
volume control from -10 to +10 in 1dB increments. In addition, you can select
the phase of the subwoofer output from Normal or Reverse.

High-Pass Filter: The front & rear speaker outputs offer a
selectable high-pass crossover frequency of 50Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, or
Off. You can also adjust the slope (1/2/3) of the high-pass crossover.

Listening Position: This unit can change the
localization of sound by delaying the sound output from each speaker to suit
your position, and simulate a natural sound field with the feeling of being
in the center of it wherever you sit in the car. You can choose from Front
Right, Front Left, Front Center, or Off. You can also set the subwoofer
distance of the subwoofer to Near, Normal, or Far

RBE (Rear Bass Enhancer): RBE enhances the bass sound
by applying the low-pass filter setting to the rear speakers. This function
allows the rear speakers to work as a subwoofer even if there is no
subwoofer connected.

Beep Tone: The in-dash head unit provides an audible beep to
confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.

Display Features

Detachable Face: The Sony CDX-GT56UI features
a detachable face for theft prevention. A face-fixing screw is supplied for
making the face non-detachable, if desired. No face case is included with this unit. An
optional soft face case (142DFC1X,
sold separately) can be purchased for this unit.

Caution Alarm: If you turn the ignition switch to the Off position
without detaching the head unit's front-panel, the caution alarm will sound for a
few seconds. The alarm will only sound if the unit's built-in amplifier is used.

1-Line LCD Display: The Sony CDX-GT56UI features a
1-line LCD display for viewing radio & song information.

Motion Display: This feature shows moving patterns on the display when turned on.

Auto Scroll: This feature
allows long displayed items to scroll automatically across the display when the
track is changed on a disc.

Display
Illumination/Clock Display: Pressing the Source/Off button once will
switch sources. Pressing and holding the Source/Off button for one second will turn off audio output, but the clock display
and button illumination remain on. To turn the unit off
completely, you must press and hold the Source/Off button for two seconds.

Dimmer: The CDX-GT56UI feature a dimmer mode to dim the
brightness of the display. You can choose from either "Dim On" or Dim Off".

Auto Off: When installing in a vehicle without an accessory power wire at the
radio location, you can set the unit to turn off all lighting a
set amount of time after you turn the power off. The Auto Off feature can be set to 30 seconds, 30 minutes,
60 minutes, or No.

Demo Mode: The head unit's demo mode can be turned On or
Off.

Remote Control

Wireless Remote Control: The head unit comes supplied with an
IR wireless remote control (RM-X211) for easy operation. The included wireless
remote allows you to control the basic functions of the Sony head unit
while keeping your eyes on the road.

Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The head unit features
an OEM steering wheel remote control input on the rear of the unit that lets you
keep your vehicle's factory radio steering wheel remote controls when used with
an optional
steering wheel audio control adapter (sold separately). Please consult
Crutchfield's
Outfit My Car to see if your vehicle is compatible.

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to
find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research
team. They verify what’s in the box, check the owner's manual, and record
dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies
to help people make informed choices.

* Agree to Terms
By checking this box you agree your review becomes the property of Crutchfield,
that you are over 18 years of age, that you own or have owned this product, and
that you are located within the United States or its territories. Please see our
Review Guidelines for more information. We reserve the right (but are not
obligated to) review all submissions and edit or remove any review in any manner
which we deem necessary. Your review should be posted within seven days.

Good Sound - Basic

Overall, a good, basic unit. Great sound, seems to be durable, easy to install. The only downside is the ergonomics of the unit... but will give Sony somewhat of a pass as most of the other manufacturers seem tohave similar designs. I don't know why after-market sound decks are designed with such VERY SMALL controls, but they should remember that you are usually changing controls WHILE DRIVING - so maybe large, visible, easy to find controls might be more convenient for the user. In addition to very small controls, the volume does not turn the unit on/off, it takes you to the sound menu. The on/off button is actually the on the corner of the input control, so I often tend to switch to aux or CD when trying to turn off the unit. This is counter-intuitive, annoying, and takes some getting used to. I would prefer the on/off switch to be a push of the volume knob, like most other units I've had in the past.

Great radio

great inexpensive radio. I bought this to replace my wife's defective Blaupunkt. It was an easy install and setup. The free harness from Crutchfield made the swap easy and if it didn't work, I could swap the old bad in in about 4 minutes. It took about 30-45 minutes to install, but I got the solder/heatshrink route. It takes a bit more time/effort to hold 2 wires and get a nice connection.

Pros:-inexpensive
-good sound quality
-nice easy to read display

Cons:-location of USB port (it is in the common location, but not a good one for people with a stick shift)

Good Unit for my needs

I needed to replace the Infinity Gold head unit in my Jeep. This worked well once I discovered that the power antenna output needed to connect to the amp (had to find that answer via Google). The other issue I had installing it was the mounting kit I ordered with it. It would not fit through to use the DIN sleeve, and the screws with the unit were to short before the flair to thread in. That was solved by shaving a taper in the slot to allow for the flared head of the screw. Overall I love the unit and have better audio from my iPod then the cassette adapter I was using on the original head unit. I'd recommend this for any one needing an inexpensive unit to play an iPod in the car.

Cons:should be a note regarding some amps needing the power from the power antenna out to trigger the amp on.

Sony CDX-GT56UI

Great features and price, most of all the customer service was fantastic. I had a couple of questions with the install and setting options and the customer service guys were extremely helpful and happy to do so. Thank you!

Good Radio for the money

It is a simple sony radio that does what you want it to do. To play the music off your ipod or mp3 player by USB or AUX. And play cds and listen to the radio. Just a great deal with all the things you get with it. Plus sounds great in a car with the normal speakers.

Pros:The deal for 89.99. With the free installation gear. Is the best. Plus a radio that will cost you that alone.

Cons:Unknown to start. cause I have only had it in my car for a week. but no problems for a simple radio under 100 dollars.

Great radio - budget price

I have had this radio for a few weeks. I've been impressed at how good it sounds and how easy it is to use, while still not costing a fortune. I really just needed a basic radio for my run-around second vehicle, but have gotten much more than expected. The iPhone integration works great, even with my iPhone 5. Although I prefer to use the phone itself to set up shuffle, navigating through music on the iPhone is easier on this radio than any other head unit I have used, including my $500 Sony in my main vehicle. Since this is a 2nd vehicle, I opted to try to keep the factory installed speakers. These speakers are now 11 years old, and the speakers in an XJ Cherokee (not Grand Cherokee) have never been known to be too great. The 5 band EQ and other features in the radio have allowed me to tune the system to get better sound out of those speakers than I ever thought possible, certainly good enough to leave it as-is for now, and possibly good enough to leave those factory units for good if I were to add a powered sub.

Pros:Easy to use, and the features of the radio allow even factory speakers to sound good.

Cons:It is a small con, but I do wish the radio would tie to the dimmer circuit.

A great bargain on a fine stereo.

This replaced the old car stereo in my 2003 Camry. I'm still using the factory speakers for now. It makes the most of them, sounds much more dynamic, and a lot better high frequencies that show up on plucking or tapping sounds. The DM+ function is really good. Being able to play MP3's is good -- I ripped one MP3 of an entire Michael Crichton novel and copied it to one disk. I'll be able to get a lot of music onto a small set of disks -- maybe even onto one thumbdrive. I recommend getting a micro thumb drive so that it doesn't stick far out of the dash. The menus are complicated, and some options don't show up depending on whether you are playing the tuner, or a CD, or whatnot. Seems to work better with the remote control. My speakers are powered by this unit. It was great to be able to use the low-pass to turn my rear speakers into sub (sort of) woofers, and the high pass to direct the high frequencies to my front speakers. I set it to use its DSP for the driver. Fantastic! I run the equalizer flat, but one day maybe I can run an audio analyzer and tweak those 7 bands to make up for the aubomobile, which is a pretty hostile environment for great stereo listening. The DSP does sound very processed to me -- but I like my music to have spaces where the spaces are supposed to be.

Pros:A high-featured great stereo. Lots of features.

Cons:Have to do a lot of fiddling with the menu to get to the features you are trying to set. To get to the attenuator (ATT) easily you have to use the remote.

Cons:The volume/select knob is chrome and tend to reflect sun light back into the drivers eyes. It's not really a safety issue but is really annoying. Perhaps Sony could make that knob black or lose it altogether. Also the face does not come off easily. Once the detach button is pushed, it still takes a little force to remove it.

Awesome Unit

I was looking for an inexpensive iPod ready unit to put in my son's 2002 Civic EX. This unit was a perfect fit and does everything and more. It has a great iPod interface, awesome power and sound, and safe detachable face. You can't beat it for under $100.

Excellent unit, excellent value

Bought this for my daughter's Explorer for Christmas and thanks to the fantastic Crutchfield mounting kit & harness adapter (all included in the special they had running), had it installed and cranking out the tunes in under an hour. Everything went together perfectly, as always with car systems I've bought here. Honestly, will never buy anywhere else. This unit has a great selection of features, especially for such a low price. Happy to report that it works seamlessly with her iPhone 5 - outstanding! Highly recommend this product.

Pros:Great feature set, easy to install, works with new iPhones

Cons:Only negative I can think of is these new receivers have such tiny buttons for my eyes...

Good Radio, Good Deal

The radio is all I need and probably more than I wanted. My OEM in my 2000 had hiccups with the CD player, literally. The remote should prove good with my fat fingers and small buttons on the unit. I have also bought one for my mother in law so that will show the tale of the tape. That one is going in a 1986 MB 300E.

Pros:The wiring harness was not as easy as it could have been but not that painful either. Ten wire nuts and it was done.

Cons:I will have to see if I can get the trim ring on. I forgot it and now I will have to basically pull the radio out put it on and see if it will go back in with the dash trim. Instructions were not worth the effort.

You get what you pay for and it works.

If you are looking for something to get the tunes running in your car on the cheap then this is the radio for you. If you are looking at serious the 6 programmable buttons are great for getting to your favorite stations. This isn't the flashiest radio and it does have its flaws, but if you want a cheap way to listen to serious it is a slick deal.

Pros:The cost was the biggest pro for me.
Being able to have a usb port and a audio port in the front is great for your mp3 players.
SeriousXM + 6 programmable channels + Front USB & Audio + Cost = great alternative for that broken radio.

Cons:The buttons to change stations on serious and the frequency for your fm stations are tiny. If you have big fingers like me then it will be hard to press those buttons without touching the source or mode buttons.
When you first turn it on you get the message of failure. During the boot cycle the radio doesn't get the information in time and puts out the message of failure to the screen because the call command wasn't satisfied in time. Nothing impresses the ladies when the read failure.

Thrilled

I ordered this unit over Black Friday weekend, getting a free install kit and free 4 gig USB drive, all for 79.95. It arrived in 2 days via free shipping, as promised. Between the instructions provided with the unit, and the step-by-step guide from Crutchfield, I was able to install it myself in about an hour. It sounds much better that the factory system (2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab Infinity CD/Cassette/AM/FM with 7 speakers) even using the same speakers. The USB & Line-In jack allow me to listen to my MP3's and my burned CD's play great. For the improvement in sound quality and ability to plug in my Android phone alone, this stereo was a steal!

Pros:Great Sound, Easy to use, lots of features.

Cons:I wish the display colors were changeable like on some more expensive stereos, but it's about the only thing I I can remotely find wrong with it.

Great product

I needed a replacement for a faulty factory unit in my '02 Focus. The Sony was very simple to install and operate even for someone like me who is not very tech savy. About all I could ask for with excellent sound and clean looks.

Sony CDX-GT56UI

I installed it as a stereo system in an RV camper trailer so four channel wasn't needed. I'm driving a pair of book shelf speakers. The sound is very very good. Since while we're camping I use the MP3/USB capabilities that was a choice driver. The automatic volume leveling is a great idea since I make up my own files from several sources and genres and the recorded volume levels are frequently different. I like the remote for the same reason; I can adjust the volume etc. without getting up. Also the sound restoration for MP3 files works well; not as good as a good CD on my home system but way better than any boom box I've ever heard.

Cons:I wish they had left the rear connector un-assembled rather that using having pig tails of wire pre connected to the pins. It would have made a neater installation. Not a big deal unless you're a bit OCD...

Read the reviews

I spent a lot of time researching stereos to replace a 2002 CRV factory 6 CD changer that finally died and came across this. All the reviews were great and very thorough. Knowing I would get the single DIN adapter kit, the wiring harness adapter (WHA) and great customer support from Crutchfield, is what sold me. I love my music, but I only have factory speakers cuz I'm cheap, so I just needed something I could hear my music on thumbdrive, ipod touch 4, or CD for under $100. I ordered all of it, & some Connect It wire connectors. Since I read the reviews, I was prepared to have to do some alteration to the adapter kit by cutting off tabs (for mine, it was to get rid of almost everything), so between pliers, a utility knife, and file, I got everything cut up & assembled within an hour. I'm from old school where we had to hard-wire the stereo into the car (13 years ago was the last time I did this), so the WHA was a godsend. Made sure all the wires matched the function diagram (mine were actually all the right colors), used the wire connectors to connect the WHA to the harness from the radio, and plugged everything in, mounted it to the dashboard, and turned it on. It sounds great, and I can use my ipod with it, as well as CDs and thumbdrive. The only negative is that for those of us who haven't had any cool tech toys in a while, it will take dragging out your degree to understand all the intricacies of finding your music, programming stations, etc. Worth it tho! Sounds great!

Not Bad for the Price

I've had this stereo for a couple of weeks. I got it to replace a 7 year old aftermarket stereo that had lost the connection between the faceplate and the body. I'm hoping that the detachable faceplate on this one won't be a problem. Installation was relatively easy in my 2005 Honda Civic. Soldering the wiring harness was a bit difficult because the wires on the plug that go to the receiver were thin and it was difficult to see the stripe on the wire on the darker colors. A magnifier didn't help.

This stereo cost about half what the 7 year old stereo it replaced cost. The specs were the same. Performance is comparable. I love electronics for that reason. Until it reaches some kind of theoretical floor, the price for comparable performance always declines over time. The power is adequate for my car. I like having the 7 band equalizer with quasi-parametric features although I haven't had the time to tweak it yet. I love the USB input. I realize it's now standard on receivers in this price range. but I still like it. Another feature that I really like is the gain control on the Aux input. It makes things much simpler. Two problems: FM reception. The 8 dBF sensitivity rating was one reason I chose this unit. FM does not come in as well as it did on the previous one which wasn't as good as the OEM unit. The display isn't bright enough to be readable in daylight.

Great radio... great price

Just bought the Sony CDX-GT56UI for my wife's Ford Escape. The sound is so much better even with the stock speakers, the radio reception is alot better than the stock radio, and it went in super easy. Using the crutchfield supplied install gear I was able to have the radio in and listening to music and playing with the features in about 35 minutes (with soldering the connections and using heat shrink to protect them). Money well spent!!! Now new speakers are on the to-do list.

Excellent bang for the $$$$$$ !!!

I've bought from Crutchfield before (several years ago).... still the same excent service, price & quality of merchandise.

Pros:easy install ... great improvement over factory system even with original OEM speakers. (next buy!) User interface is good. (you can drive and switch functions with minimal distraction) Black and white display is very readable in sunlight. Usb input is a requirement on anything I buy now, so it's a given plus.

Cons:Remote only works if you point it directly at the unit... realy only usefull for back seat passenger. (Could get you slapped! ... my rule: you drive, you control sound system.)

Sony CDX-GT56Ui

I needed a new player to replace my unit in my astro van. The factory radio I had sounded like something in a 1962 Impala. The price was great and made to Sony specs. I also have trouble with the size of the buttons, but getting used to it. I got new speakers to go along with it, but still can't get the right sound yet. Still adjusting. Not enough bass. Overall ,not a bad unit for the money

Sony CDX-GT56UI

As always, I found this install to be easy especially with Crutchfields' install guide. The stereo was everything I expected it to be and at a very reasonble price. All of the adapter kits were right on for a flawless install. I will always recommend Crutchfield as the best place to buy your electronic needs and always helpful every step of the way! I don't even shop anywhere else.

Sony CDX-GT56UI

Written By Warren, Palmyra, VA on Monday, October 22, 2012

"Coolness Factor"

Build Quality

Ease of Use

Sound Quality

Value

This is the 3rd Sony receiver I have purchased and am happy with all three. My suggestion for improvement would be to have an "off" button. The "source" button selects the source (CD, USB, tuner, etc) and also cuts the device off. If you push it quickly it advances to the next source, if you push and hold a little longer, it turns the receiver off, but leaves the time showing, if you hold it longer, it turns everything off, no clock. The problem with this is that it's easy to mis-push. For example, if I want to turn it off to take a phone call, it's easy to advance from CD to USB, because I didn't push hold the button just the right amount of time. One of my other Sony receivers has a specified "off" switch. This receiver would benefit greatly from that addition. My other complaint is that when I added this item to my cart, I was prompted with "To install this item, you need the following special part: PAC SOEM-4 Universal Interface Universal 4-channel line output converter." So I purchased this device. Despite the warnings that professional installation may be necessary for our old van (92 Ford), it installed easily. However it did not work. When calling tech support, we were informed that we should disconnect the PAC SOEM-4. We did and it worked perfectly. Time and money wasted.

Update: to my surprise I got an email from Crutchfield Customer Service and a refund for the price of the Universal Interface. I had not requested the refund, but Customer Service had obviously read my review and responded within a couple of days. That is awesome service.